Lighthouse Academies Opens First College Preparatory Academies

By eSchool News

August 4th, 2009

Framingham, MA, August 4, 2009 – Lighthouse Academies, Inc. opens their first two high schools this month: Gary Lighthouse Charter School College Prep Academy in Gary, IN, and Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School College Prep Academy in Indianapolis, IN. Each CPA will open with approximately 50 ninth grade students, most of which have been part of the Lighthouse school already and will continue their preparation for college at the CPA as part of the class of 2013. Their ninth grade year started with a Gateway week prior to the start of school where students learned about the school culture and graduation requirements, got to know one another and their teachers and completed community service. The rigorous, standards-based instructional program is unique as it is arts-infused and includes personalized learning and internships and community service. Students will receive more time on instruction, laptops that will become their own upon their first college acceptance letter, and college application support through a full-time transition counselor.

Both the Gary Lighthouse Charter School and the Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter School opened in 2005 for grades K-5. One grade has been added each year. Today the Lower Academy includes grades K-4 (Indianapolis also includes PreK), the Upper Academy grades 5-8, and the CPA grade 9. One grade will be added each year to the CPA until the school is complete through grade 12. The focus on lifelong learning and preparation for college begins in Kindergarten. The CPA program will continue this focus while providing the tools and platform for students to succeed.

Lighthouse Academies, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that develops and supports the operations of public charter schools in underserved communities throughout the United States. Our mission is to prepare our students for college through a rigorous arts-infused program. Our vision is that all students will be taught by an outstanding teacher in a nurturing environment and will achieve at high levels. Each student will develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary for responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. The impact of our collective efforts will fundamentally change public education. The Lighthouse Academies network includes 11 schools and over 4,100 students. For more information, please visit our website at www.lighthouse-academies.org or call 800.901.6943.